Question

How can I deal with my co-worker's rude comments about my size?

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My co-worker (who's never been pregnant) constantly tells me how 'huge' I'm getting. I'm starting my third trimester and my doctor tells me I'm exactly where I should be for weight and size. Her comments didn't bother me at first, but now I find myself getting angry and upset. Nothing I've said has made her stop. What should I do?

Mom Answers

Enjoy the attention you're getting and don't take her comments to heart. Being "huge" and pregnant is a very short time in your life, so enjoy every minute of it. Before you know it, your little bundle of joy will be getting all the attention and no one will even notice you (haha)! Also, this lady who is making the comments might be jealous and might want to be pregnant herself, so just let it go. It isn't worth getting upset about (and getting upset isn't good for the baby). Best of luck!

I like simple and direct best. How about saying: "I would appreciate it if you would stop commenting on my size." If it continues, talk to that person's manager or HR. They can no more hassle you about your baby size than make continual comments about any other physical (albeit temporary and wonderful!) disbaility.

Wow, I just read all the replys to your problem Pauline. I guess I am in the minority. I am not at all offended by such comments. I do get a lot of them. None rude. "Boy you're getting big"(I know that is a direct comment about my belly). "Your really popping out there"(another comment about belly). I didn't receive any such comments before I got pg so I know these people are just finding a way to comment on my pregnancy. It always leads to the polite questions about due date and how I'm feeling.
I am not going to tell you how you should feel, but maybe you can look inside yourself and find that these comments about your pregnancy(not you)are just that.
Signed, 35 weeks and blooming all over the place.

When I finally got pregnant, I was so happy that I didn't even care how big I was. In fact, I would even make fun of myself and joke about my plumpness. My close friends would joke and tease me and I would just burst out laughing. Try not to worry about rude coworkers, Pauline, she may even be jealous of you. You have a miracle growing inside you! Be healthy and happy now & bless you in your good fortune!

I've never been pregnant, but am actively trying. My girlfriend just had her baby, and the last few months of her pregnancy, I kept commenting on how big her belly was getting. Never did I ever intend her to take it the wrong way. I thought she looked beautiful and pregnant. And as her belly kept growing I was more and more in awe of how the baby was growing and what a reality it was all becoming. Your co-worker probably isn't meaning anything negative by commenting on your size. If she was, she probably wouldn't say anything at all. Simply let her know that you are sensitive about your size and that her comments bother you. I'm sure she'll be more than apologetic.

I am expecting my second...I love being pregnant, and I love my growing belly! I actually missed being pregnant after my first child was born. Who cares what anybody says. Enjoy this special time. Think of all the women out there struggling with infertility who would give anything to be in your shoes.

I think it all depends on the spirit in which the comment was given.
For example, I am creeping up on 7.5 months along, smaller than everyone in my lamaze class, and wondering if I'm EVER going to get any bigger. So when my husband takes a picture of me and says, "See? You're becoming a real fatty," in a playful tone of voice, I know that he's just trying to be encouraging and telling me not to worry.
If your co-worker's comments are in a sneering, condescending tone of voice, then I'd tell her off (politely or rudely) or even make a comment to her supervisor about how it is affecting you.
However, she could just come from a family that says "You're getting huge" as a compliment... a way to say "It looks like your baby is doing great!" And I don't think you should be quick to punish her for what might be, in fact, encouragement.
Lest we forget... we are hormonal and emotional, especially in our third trimesters. We don't want to bite someone's head off for being friendly.

Wow this comment was a few years back. just reading these as im 16 weeks pregnant' co workers no im pregnant im slightly showing not yet in maternity wear' but sick of comments like oh you really suit the weight gain.. wow look how big your bust is"" even though im still in my 34b bra was in before pregnant.. i personally think that the certain people that make these comments are unhappy with themselves!! And without sounding to harsh , i feel like turning round and saying "have you looked in the mirror lately. at least my excuse is a beautiful baby growing inside me" youl never change your ugly old face"... on the other hand the nice co workers say nice things in a subtle way to make you feel more confident" the nasty comments to me are insecure loosers....

I can totally relate. I'm 28 weeks and all belly. I get asked "how many" I'm having, or get comments stating that my due date must be incorrect. I am big and I am having a big baby, but it doesn't give people license to say whatever it is they want to say. I just say "thanks for noticing" and that seems to keep people at bay. Most people think its cute to make those types of comments, although they would never comment on someone's weight if they weren't pregnant. It makes me so mad too. I find it hard to stand up for myself. Just try not to let it get to you.

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